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Read and Discuss: Roller Coaster

Take a thrilling roller coaster ride!

Materials

  • Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee

Science Concepts

  • Both rolling and sliding objects move faster down steeper inclines.
  • The motion and speed of a rolling or sliding object is affected by the shape and texture of the object and the texture of the surface on which it is rolling or sliding.

Directions

Before you read: Show children the cover, and read the title and author’s name. Ask, What is happening on the cover? Why do you think all of the people on the roller coaster have their mouths open? Let’s read to find out more.   

As you read: Pause on the page in which the cars are being pulled up the track. Ask, Why do you think the ride starts off with the cars being pulled to the top of the hill? What do you think is going to happen next?

After you read: Ask:

  • Did this roller coaster ride look like fun to you? What helped the roller coaster to go so fast?
  • Think of the name “roller coaster.” Do you think it rolls or slides down the track?
  • Does this story remind you of the roller coaster activity we did yesterday?
  • What were some of the similarities between your roller coaster and this one?
  • What are some of the things you saw in the story that you’d like to try building?